Islamabad’s growing population fuels water crisis

Islamabad: As Islamabad’s population continues to surge, the city’s natural resources are being pushed to their limits.

Water scarcity has emerged as the most pressing challenge for the city’s authorities, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) striving to manage the increasing demand. Despite the CDA''s efforts, the situation requires a comprehensive approach to ensure long-term water security for the federal capital. Over the past two decades, Islamabad’s population has more than doubled, significantly increasing the pressure on existing water resources such as Simly, Rawal, and Khanpur dams.

The development of new housing societies to accommodate the influx of people from other cities has further exacerbated the problem. The depletion of underground water reserves and the effects of climate change have added to the growing concerns.

The situation is challenging, but the CDA has initiated several measures to address the shortfall, stated Sardar Khan Zimri, Director General of Water Management at the CDA.

With the population growth and emergence of new settlements, the increase in water demand is natural, and the Authority is fully cognizant of its duties. In response, the CDA has proposed constructing two new dams, Shahdra and Chiniot, to supplement the current water supply.